Understanding the advantages of neutering your male cat

Neutering is a routine operation performed by a vet to remove a cat's sex organs. This procedure makes your cat unable to reproduce and stops the production of hormones that are responsible for the cat's sexual behaviour.

Why neuter?There is a cat over-population crisis in the UK which results in many healthy cats and kittens being destroyed every day. Neutering is also a great way of preventing behavioural and medical problems.

Advantages of neutering

Reduced fighting and associated injuries

Reduction of ‘Tom cat odour’

Improve breeding quality of cat population - reduction in number of kittens born with hereditary diseases and bad temperaments

Reduced aggression towards other cats, due lo lack of testosterone

Decreased spraying

Prevents roaming, as they will generally not sense female pheromones

Prevents unwanted litters

What age should you neuter your cat? Male cats should be neutered at six months which is usually the time when they become sexually active, however, they can be neutered at any age thereafter. If a cat is neutered after he reached 12 months of age, beware that you may not enjoy the full behavioural benefits of neutering. This is because your cat has begun to learn behaviours like fighting and spraying by 1 year of age, he is no longer just responding to instinctive cues.

ProcedureThe operation is carried out under general anaesthetic and involves the removal of the testicles through two small incisions made into the scrotal sacs. The procedure usually only takes a few minutes, and the total anaesthetic time is less than 15 minutes in most cases. Following the surgery you will normally be able to take your cat home on the same day.